Internet Policy in the EU

Latest news and information on the Internet policies of the European Union.

States provisionally agree update to EU ePrivacy rules

The EU member states agreed Wednesday on a negotiating mandate for revised rules on the protection of privacy and confidentiality in the use of electronic communications services.

States fail to transpose new EU telecoms rules

The EU Commission started legal action Thursday against 24 Member States for failing to enact a new EU telecoms directive which regulates and reforms electronic communications networks and services.

EU fines Steam gaming platform for 'geo-blocking'

The EU Commission has fined Valve, owner of online PC gaming platform 'Steam', with publishers Bandai Namco, Capcom, Focus Home, Koch Media and ZeniMax EUR 7.8m for breaching antitrust rules.

EU mulls digital levy for fair recovery

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on a new digital levy, saying it wants to to ensure fair taxation in the digital economy, while at the same time contributing to Europe's recovery.

EU to make online platforms more accountable

The European Commission proposed new rules for social media and online market places Tuesday, to better protect consumers and their rights online, and to create fairer and more open digital markets.

Digital Markets Act

The EU Commission proposed on 15 December reform a comprehensive set of new rules for digital services, including social media, online market places, and other online platforms that operate in the European Union: the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act.

Digital Services Act

The European Commission proposed on 15 December reform a comprehensive set of new rules for digital services, including social media, online market places, and other online platforms that operate in the European Union: the Digital Services Act and the Digital Markets Act.

Europe adopts digital way forward

The EU institutions struck a provisional deal Monday on a new programme to promote large-scale deployment of state-of-the art technology such as artificial intelligence and the latest cybersecurity tools.

5G security in Europe under EU auditors' scrutiny

The European Court of Auditors launched an audit Tuesday to assess whether the EU and its Member States are implementing secure 5G networks in a timely and concerted manner.

New ranking guidelines to make online search more transparent

New ranking guidelines for online searches, published Monday by the EU Commission, allow online platforms to improve the transparency of their ranking parameters and help businesses to compete fairly online.

EU to tighten cybersecurity of connected devices

The EU Council approved Thursday conclusions acknowledging increased use of consumer devices connected to the internet and the related new risks for privacy, information security and cybersecurity.

Amazon charged with breaching EU antitrust rules

The European Commission informed Amazon Tuesday of its preliminary view that the American e-commerce giant has breached EU antitrust rules by distorting competition in online retail markets.

Cyber attacks threat grows under Covid-19

Cyber criminals have advanced their capabilities during the pandemic, adapting quickly and targeting victim groups more effectively, according to a report Tuesday from the EU cybersecurity agency.

Digitalisation of European industry lagging: EU auditors

Europe's industry is not fully benefiting from advanced technologies to innovate and remain competitive, EU auditors said Tuesday, with some countries still lacking national digitalisation strategies.

EU launches EUR 1 billion call for green and digital transition

The European Commission launched Thursday a EUR 1 billion call for research and innovation projects that respond to the climate crisis and help protect Europe's unique ecosystems and biodiversity.

Brussels mulls regulatory action against fake news

Online platforms need to show more accountability, responsibility and transparency, the EU Commission said Thursday, as it presented its assessment of the effectiveness of the EU Code of Practice on Disinformation.

Google's proposed Fitbit buy under full EU investigation

The EU Commission opened Tuesday an in-depth investigation to assess the proposed acquisition of Fitbit by Google over the amount of data Google could use for personalisation of the ads it serves.

EU-US Data Protection Shield inadequate, EU Court rules

The Court of Justice of the EU decided Thursday to invalidate the EU-US Privacy Shield on grounds of an inadequate levels of protection given to European consumer data transferred to the United States.

Women4Cyber Registry

Women4Cyber Registry was created to identify and build the community of women professionals in the field of cybersecurity. It gathers women, with different profiles and could be a reference point for expert groups, event organisers, media, as well as collaboration and potentially business opportunities. The aim of this Registry is to encourage women professionals to come forward, become more active in the field and raise their own visibility as well as promote the Women4Cyber initiatives.

GDPR 2-year review: progress across EU, but more needed

Two years on, the General Data Protection Regulation has met most of its objectives, with a set of enforceable rights and a new European system of governance and enforcement, says a report out Wednesday.

EU data protection rules 2-year review

Two years after its entry into application, the European Commission published on 24 June an evaluation report on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Social media platforms improve action against hate speech

Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter have improved action on countering illegal hate speech online, says a Commission report, but better transparency and user feedback is still needed.

EU asks online platforms to report on fake coronavirus news

The EU stepped up its campaign against online disinformation Wednesday, asking online platforms for monthly reports on action to promote authoritative content and limit fake information on the coronavirus.

MEPs demand data protection guarantees for fingerprint exchange with UK

The EU Council should not allow fingerprint data exchange between the UK and EU countries without guarantees on reciprocity and data protection in place, the European Parliament said on Thursday.

Netflix, Youtube slow streaming networks to help fight Coronavirus

Netflix and YouTube have agreed to a European request to reduce pressure on the Internet caused by increased demand from social distancing measures in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic.